Unplugged Wedding Ceremony Wording Guide

An unplugged wedding ceremony is where the couple requests that guests refrain from taking photos or videos during the ceremony. This growing trend allows everyone to be present in the moment and ensures professional photographers capture the moment without obstruction. However, it’s essential to communicate this request effectively and politely to avoid any confusion or hurt feelings.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive unplugged wedding ceremony wording guide to help couples communicate their wishes clearly and respectfully.
Why Have an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony?
An unplugged wedding ceremony allows guests to be fully present in the moment and experience the ceremony without distractions. Here are some reasons why couples should consider having an unplugged wedding ceremony:
Distraction-free ceremony
By requesting that guests refrain from taking photos or videos during the ceremony, couples can ensure that their guests are fully engaged in the ceremony. This not only helps create a more intimate and meaningful atmosphere but also ensures that there are no unwanted interruptions during this special moment.
Professional photographs
Having professional photographers capture the moment without any obstructions from guests ensures that couples will have beautiful photos to cherish for years to come. These photos will be of higher quality and will capture all the details of the ceremony without being obstructed by phones or cameras.
Respect for the couple’s wishes
An unplugged wedding ceremony is a way for couples to communicate their wishes to their guests politely. By making this request, they are showing their guests that it’s essential for them to be present in the moment and share this special moment with them.
Encourages guests to be present in the moment
Lastly, an unplugged wedding ceremony encourages guests to experience the event through their eyes and not through their phone screens. Guests can connect with each other during this special occasion and create lasting memories together, which is what weddings are all about – joining together two families as one.
By having an unplugged wedding ceremony, couples can create a distraction-free environment that ensures everyone is present in the moment, respects their wishes, and enjoys this special day together.
How to Word Your Unplugged Wedding Ceremony
When creating wording for an unplugged wedding ceremony, it’s essential to communicate your request clearly and politely. Here are some tips on how to effectively word your unplugged wedding ceremony:
Clear and concise language
Use clear and concise language that is easy for guests to understand. Avoid using complicated words or phrases that may confuse guests.
Polite and respectful tone
Be polite and respectful when communicating your request to guests. Thank them for attending your wedding and ask them to join you in creating a distraction-free environment during the ceremony.
Include the reason for the unplugged ceremony
Explain why you have chosen to have an unplugged ceremony. This could be because you want your guests to be fully present in the moment or because you want professional photographers to capture photos without any obstructions.
Offer alternative ways for guests to participate
If guests are unable or unwilling to comply with your request, offer alternative ways for them to participate. For example, they can take photos before or after the ceremony or at the reception.
When creating wording for your unplugged wedding ceremony, keep in mind that it should be clear, polite, and respectful. By doing so, you’ll ensure that everyone understands your request and is willing to participate in creating a distraction-free environment during this special moment.
Sample Unplugged Wedding Ceremony Wording
Here are some examples of unplugged wedding ceremony wording that you can use or personalize for your own wedding:
Example 1:
“We kindly request that all guests refrain from taking photos or videos during the ceremony. We want to ensure that everyone is fully present in the moment and able to share this special occasion with us. Professional photographers will be capturing all the important moments, and we will happily share those photos with you after the ceremony.”
Example 2:
“As we exchange our vows and say ‘I do,’ we kindly ask that you put away your phones and cameras. We want to create a distraction-free environment where everyone can be fully present and share in this special moment with us. Our professional photographers will capture all the beautiful moments, allowing us to cherish them for years to come.”
Example 3:
“To help us create a distraction-free ceremony, we kindly request that you turn off all electronic devices before entering the venue. Our goal is for everyone to be present in the moment and share in this special occasion together. Thank you for respecting our wishes, and we look forward to celebrating with you after the ceremony!”
These examples provide clear language while maintaining a polite and respectful tone. By using one of these examples as a guide, couples can personalize their unplugged wedding ceremony wording to fit their style and preferences while still communicating their request effectively.
How to Communicate Your Unplugged Wedding Ceremony
Once you have created wording for your unplugged wedding ceremony, it’s important to communicate it effectively to all guests. Here are some ways to do so:
Save the date cards and invitations
Include a note on your save the date cards or invitations that indicates that you will be having an unplugged wedding ceremony. This gives guests ample time to prepare and understand your request.
Wedding website and social media
Create a special section on your wedding website that explains your unplugged wedding ceremony and includes the wording you’ve chosen. Share this information on your social media accounts as well to ensure that all guests are aware of your request.
Signs at the ceremony venue
Place signs at the entrance to the ceremony venue indicating that you will be having an unplugged wedding ceremony. This serves as a gentle reminder to guests as they arrive.
Ushers and officiants
Instruct ushers and officiants to remind guests before the ceremony begins that you will be having an unplugged wedding ceremony. This ensures that everyone is aware of your request before the ceremony begins.
By communicating your unplugged wedding ceremony in multiple ways, you can ensure that all guests are aware of your request and prepared to comply with it. This helps create a distraction-free environment during the ceremony, allowing everyone to fully enjoy this special moment together.
How to Enforce Your Unplugged Wedding Ceremony
Enforcing your unplugged wedding ceremony can be tricky, but here are some tips to help ensure that guests comply with your request:
Designate an unplugged wedding coordinator
Designate a trusted friend or family member to act as an unplugged wedding coordinator. Their role is to remind guests before the ceremony that you will be having an unplugged wedding ceremony and to ask them to turn off their phones and cameras.
Have ushers remind guests before the ceremony
Instruct ushers to remind guests before the ceremony begins that you will be having an unplugged wedding ceremony. They can politely ask guests to turn off their phones and cameras, or offer to hold onto them during the ceremony.
Include a reminder in the ceremony program
Include a gentle reminder in your ceremony program that you will be having an unplugged wedding ceremony. This ensures that all guests are aware of your request and helps create a distraction-free environment during the ceremony.
Consider a phone check station or lockbox
Consider setting up a phone check station or lockbox where guests can securely store their phones and cameras during the ceremony. This ensures that there are no distractions during this special moment and allows everyone to be fully present.
By taking these steps, couples can effectively enforce their unplugged wedding ceremony without being too pushy or overbearing. Remember, it’s important to communicate your request clearly and respectfully while still allowing guests to participate in a meaningful way.
Benefits of an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony
Having an unplugged wedding ceremony can provide numerous benefits for both the couple and their guests. Here are some of the top benefits:
Better guest experience
When guests are not distracted by their phones or cameras, they can fully immerse themselves in the moment and enjoy the ceremony without any interruptions. This creates a more intimate and meaningful experience for everyone involved.
More intimate and meaningful ceremony
Without the distraction of phones and cameras, couples can exchange vows and say “I do” in a more intimate and romantic setting. Guests are able to fully appreciate the moment, creating a truly memorable experience.
Improved professional photographs
Professional photographers are experts at capturing all the important moments during a wedding ceremony. Without guests obstructing their view or taking their own photos, photographers have more freedom to get creative with their shots and capture all the special moments.
Respect for the couple’s wishes
When guests comply with a couple’s request for an unplugged wedding ceremony, it shows that they respect the couple’s wishes and are fully supportive of this special day. It creates a sense of unity among guests, allowing everyone to share in this special occasion together.
Overall, having an unplugged wedding ceremony provides numerous benefits for both couples and their guests. It creates a more intimate and meaningful experience while also ensuring that professional photos capture all of those special moments without any obstructions.
Potential Pushback and How to Handle It
While an unplugged wedding ceremony can provide numerous benefits, some guests may push back against the idea. Here are some common objections and how to handle them:
“But I want to take photos!”
Explain to guests that professional photographers will be capturing all the important moments during the ceremony, and that they will be able to access these photos after the wedding. Encourage guests to fully immerse themselves in the moment without any distractions.
“What if there’s an emergency?”
Assure guests that they will still be able to receive important calls or messages during the reception. Consider designating a trusted friend or family member to hold onto phones or cameras during the ceremony in case of emergency.
“But I don’t want to miss anything!”
Remind guests that by putting away their phones and cameras, they can fully appreciate and enjoy this special moment without any distractions. Encourage guests to be present in the moment and soak it all in.
“I paid a lot of money for my camera/phone!”
Explain that while you understand their desire to capture memories, your request for an unplugged wedding ceremony is important to you. Encourage them to enjoy themselves without any distractions and trust that professional photographers will capture all the important moments.
By addressing potential pushback with empathy and understanding, couples can effectively communicate their request for an unplugged wedding ceremony while still allowing guests to feel heard. It’s important for couples to remember that this special day is about them, and guests should respect their wishes accordingly.
Read more: Making And Using Personalized Rubber Stamps For Your Wedding
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and concerns that couples may have when planning an unplugged wedding ceremony:
What if a guest refuses to comply with the unplugged ceremony?
Designate an unplugged wedding coordinator or usher to politely remind guests about the unplugged ceremony. If a guest still refuses to comply, consider having them sit in the back or providing an alternative viewing area with a live feed of the ceremony.
Is it appropriate to have an unplugged wedding ceremony for a destination wedding?
Yes! An unplugged wedding ceremony is appropriate for any type of wedding, whether it’s local or destination. It ensures that all guests are fully present in the moment and creates a more intimate and meaningful experience for everyone involved.
By addressing common questions and concerns, couples can feel confident in their decision to have an unplugged wedding ceremony. It’s important for couples to communicate their request clearly and respectfully while also allowing guests to participate in alternative ways.
Read more: Cheap Save The Dates: The Ultimate Guide
Conclusion
In conclusion, an unplugged wedding ceremony can provide numerous benefits for both couples and their guests. By requesting that guests put away their phones and cameras during the ceremony, couples can create a more intimate and meaningful experience while also ensuring that professional photographers capture all of the special moments.
When wording an unplugged wedding ceremony, it’s important to be clear and concise while also maintaining a polite and respectful tone. Couples should communicate their request through save the date cards, invitations, wedding websites, social media, signs at the ceremony venue, ushers, and officiants.
While there may be some pushback from guests, addressing common concerns with empathy and understanding can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable unplugged wedding ceremony. By providing alternative ways for guests to participate, such as setting up designated hashtags for social media posts or offering live feeds of the ceremony in alternative viewing areas, couples can make sure that everyone feels included while still respecting their wishes for an unplugged ceremony.
Overall, an unplugged wedding ceremony allows couples to fully immerse themselves in this special moment while creating a distraction-free environment for their guests. It’s a beautiful way to start off a lifetime of love and happiness together.
Related reading
- Making And Using Personalized Rubber Stamps For Your Wedding
- When to Send Wedding Invitations
- Should You Buy or DIY Wedding Invitations?
- 12 Alternatives for Wedding Confetti: The Ultimate Guide
- Save The Date Etiquette: Your Questions Answered

Meet The Author
Hey! I’m Maria Sullivan, the owner and main writer behind All The Pretty Paper. I spent 10 years of my life running a boutique wedding planning agency, and I now enjoy giving my expertise and resources away online so I can reach a broader audience and help more folks get married :).